Spicy and Sweet Crispy Mandu Gangjeong Recipe
Easy Spicy & Sweet Mandu Gangjeong Made with Frozen Dumplings
Are you tired of eating frozen dumplings the same old way? Don’t worry! With just a few simple seasonings, you can transform them into a delicious ‘Mandu Gangjeong’ (Korean fried dumplings in sauce). This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors that will whet your appetite. It’s fantastic as a side dish for rice, a delightful snack when you’re feeling peckish, or a perfect accompaniment to a cold beer. Everyone from kids to adults loves this taste, so give it a try right now!
Mandu Gangjeong Ingredients- 22 frozen dumplings (mandu)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, arrange the frozen dumplings in a single layer on your air fryer tray, making sure they don’t overlap. This ensures they cook evenly and become delightfully crispy.
Step 2
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and place the dumplings inside. Cook for 10 minutes. While the dumplings are cooking, let’s prepare the sauce, which is the star of this Mandu Gangjeong! Don’t forget to make it.
Step 3
In a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of gochujang, the base for our spicy flavor.
Step 4
Next, add 1.5 tablespoons of ketchup for that touch of sweet and tangy flavor. You can adjust the amount of ketchup to your preference.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of corn syrup (or rice syrup) for shine and sweetness. If you don’t have corn syrup, you can use oligodang (oligosaccharide syrup) as a substitute.
Step 6
Finally, add 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the aroma and flavor. Stir everything together thoroughly until the sauce is well combined and smooth.
Step 7
Carefully remove the cooked dumplings from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. It’s important to let them cool a bit before coating them in the sauce, otherwise, they might break apart.
Step 8
Now, heat a pan over low to medium-low heat. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan.
Step 9
Gently stir the sauce as it simmers to prevent it from burning. Cooking the sauce slightly will deepen its flavors beautifully.
Step 10
Once the sauce starts to bubble, add the slightly cooled dumplings to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and gently toss the dumplings in the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Be careful not to burst the dumpling skins!
Step 11
Continue to stir-fry the dumplings in the sauce over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the dumplings with a glossy sheen. See how delicious and appealing the Mandu Gangjeong looks?
Step 12
These Mandu Gangjeong are wonderful served over warm rice as a hearty meal, perfect as a snack for kids, and an absolutely fantastic appetizer with a cold beer. Enjoy them in any situation!
